Page 236 of Dawn of Chaos and Fury
“Kylian and Giselle are formidable,” Kat cut in. “But only because they are fiercely protective of their family. Which you are a part of.”
“We’ll be back after this,” Theon called to them, Axel holding Maddox while Kat prepared to feed him.
Closing the door behind them, they followed their escort back down the hall. Tessa had fallen back with Corbin and Lange, speaking softly with them, but everyone fell silent when they were led into the meeting room. The Alpha and Beta were in their usual seats. Kylian was eyeing them with disapproval, while Giselle had a sharp smile on her full lips.
“Thank you for giving them a place to stay,” Theon said, stopping before them.
“Of course,” Giselle said, her light grey eyes skimming over their company and pausing. Theon didn’t need to know why. Corbin had taken a tonic to mask his scent for a time. They would have known right away who he was otherwise, but a Shifter’s instincts were still there. They knew there was something.
“We hope it has provided an understanding of where our loyalties lie,” Kylian said, his brow pinched as he also honed in on Corbin. “Introduce us to your company.”
“You know Luka,” Theon said. “But you have yet to meet our wife, Tessa Ausra, the newly crowned Arius Lady.”
“Ourwife?” Giselle asked, sitting up straighter. “Both of you?”
Theon nodded. “Correct.”
Her smile widened. “Congratulations on your unions, my Lady.”
“Thank you,” Tessa said tightly. The bands of light at her wrists were pulsing, and she was tense beside him.
“How refreshing to have a female on that seat rather than…” Her eyes slid to Theon. “Well, you understand.”
Tessa huffed a small laugh, some of the tension lifting. “I do, your grace.”
Giselle arched a brow. “Your grace? How thoughtful, but you can simply call me Giselle, and my mate, Kylian.”
Tessa gave a small nod. “I understand you have a sister, Kylian.”
The male straightened, his eyes narrowing. “I have a few.”
She glanced at Corbin, the male’s hand holding tightly onto Lange’s. “Khari,” Tessa said. “She should be here for this.”
Kylian and Giselle both lurched to their feet, Corbin stumbling backwards.
“You found him?” Giselle asked, her steps quick as she approached, but Tessa stepped in front of her, blocking the path.
“Please summon Khari,” she said.
“I will not,” Kylian said. “Not until we are sure. I will not get her hopes up and fail her once more. Why can’t I scent him?”
“Because we didn’t want you to know until he was ready,” Tessa answered, lifting her chin in challenge. “It ishischoice to be here.”
“He belongs here,” Kylian snarled.
Tessa’s lip curled up. “You will find I am not one to pander to what others believe is someone’s duty and purpose. Corbin will decide where he belongs.”
“Corbin,” Giselle said softly. She stepped forward again, and Corbin eyed her warily. “That is your name?”
He nodded, gesturing to his right. “This is Lange.”
“Your mate?”
Corbin didn’t miss a beat when he said, “Yes.”
“What is your Shifted form?” Kylian demanded.
“Summon Khari,” Tessa interjected. “I will not ask you again.”
